Ironically, a person like Ibrahim Ali provides a platform for Christians to become better Christians.
Anas Zubedy
Let me explain.
Have you ever wondered why when Jesus wanted to liberate Israel from tyrannical Rome (the Government during his time) instead of asking Rome to change, he sought to persuade Israel to change? Jesus felt that without the change of hearts in Israel itself, liberation in any form is impossible.
Jesus at great length explained that the resentment and bitterness that his fellow brethren carried in their hearts was nothing short of suicidal. In fact he suggested that they be smart and read the signs of the times (e.g. in Luke 12:54-56) and not to follow the Zealots.
No… not just the Zealots, he told them not to even listen to their own leaders and priests, and he called them hypocrites (refer to Mark 12:13-17). He discerned the times and was wise in strategy on how he chose to act (refer to John 7:3-9). He suggested that the best way to liberate their enemies is to LOVE them. To do good to those who hate you and to pray for those who hurt you.
Malaysian Christians must search deep within and ask, “Do I trust Jesus? Do I believe in his words? Am I willing to practice what he asks of me?
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies!
Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who hurt you.” - Luke 6:27-28
According to the Bible, without love and compassion all religiosity is empty and of no use.
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Do you trust Jesus?
